Plastid Data Support the Inclusion of the Greater Antillean Genus Atalopteris in Ctenitis (Polypodiales: Dryopteridaceae)

The phylogenetic position of the Greater Antillean genus Atalopteris in the Dryopteridaceae was evaluated on the basis of three chloroplast markers (rbcL, atpA, and trnL-F) from tissue samples of two specimens of the Cuban species A. aspidioides. The results show that Atalopteris is nested in Ctenitis; however, the current taxon sampling is insufficient to determine which species of Ctenitis are most closely related to it. A replacement name, for A. aspidioides (Ctenitis cubensis) is provided.